406
12 Species Case Studies
cases, we consider few species to be comprehensively studied. Many of the case
studies include information obtained only recently or not published previously
while some also provide useful profi les of management successes and challenges,
lessons learned and data gaps. Some accounts were updated almost to the moment
of going to press with this volume. Many of the case studies are referred to in
other chapters.
A standard format was suggested to each of the contributing authors for the species accounts. However, since the level and type of information varies considerably
among species, some accounts are longer, or somewhat differently organized, than
others. We have attempted to provide interesting and informative photographs,
nearly all previously unpublished, which illustrate the information included in the
text. Knowledge of a general biological phenomenon, such as spawning aggregations, often starts with the study of individual species. As understanding grows and
deepens it allows for the determination of general principles and the development
and testing of theories regarding the evolution and benefi ts of the phenomenon. It is
hoped the information on fi shes presented here encourages and inspires others to
continue gathering the basic information needed to advance the science of reef fi sh
spawning aggregations.
12.2 Brown-Marbled Grouper – Epinephelus fuscoguttatus
Rachel Pears
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority , P.O. Box 1379 , Townsville , QLD
4810 , Australia
e-mail: rachel.pears@gbrmpa.gov.au
12.2.1 General
Brown-marbled grouper ( Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ) is a large-bodied grouper
(Serranidae), reaching approximately 1 m in length (Fig. 12.1a ). This species
is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacifi c, including the Red Sea, and is often
confused with the similar-looking, co-occurring but smaller camoufl age grouper
( E. polyphekadion ) (Heemstra and Randall 1993 ; Chap. 12.5 ; Craig et al. 2011 ). Brownmarbled grouper was listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the (IUCN) Red List in 2004 .
Little is known about early life history in the wild, however some information is
available from aquaculture (e.g. Lim et al. 1990 ; Lim 1993 ) . Adults to use coral reef
habitats, and the limited information on juveniles suggests they frequent seagrass
beds (Sommer et al . 1996 ; Gell and Whittington 2002 ) and estuarine or low salinity
areas (Sadovy 2000 ) . Juveniles are collected from inshore reduced salinity waters
for grow-out in cages prior to sale in the international live reef food fi sh trade
(Sadovy et al. 2003 a ) .
12 Species Case Studies
cases, we consider few species to be comprehensively studied. Many of the case
studies include information obtained only recently or not published previously
while some also provide useful profi les of management successes and challenges,
lessons learned and data gaps. Some accounts were updated almost to the moment
of going to press with this volume. Many of the case studies are referred to in
other chapters.
A standard format was suggested to each of the contributing authors for the species accounts. However, since the level and type of information varies considerably
among species, some accounts are longer, or somewhat differently organized, than
others. We have attempted to provide interesting and informative photographs,
nearly all previously unpublished, which illustrate the information included in the
text. Knowledge of a general biological phenomenon, such as spawning aggregations, often starts with the study of individual species. As understanding grows and
deepens it allows for the determination of general principles and the development
and testing of theories regarding the evolution and benefi ts of the phenomenon. It is
hoped the information on fi shes presented here encourages and inspires others to
continue gathering the basic information needed to advance the science of reef fi sh
spawning aggregations.
12.2 Brown-Marbled Grouper – Epinephelus fuscoguttatus
Rachel Pears
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority , P.O. Box 1379 , Townsville , QLD
4810 , Australia
e-mail: rachel.pears@gbrmpa.gov.au
12.2.1 General
Brown-marbled grouper ( Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ) is a large-bodied grouper
(Serranidae), reaching approximately 1 m in length (Fig. 12.1a ). This species
is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacifi c, including the Red Sea, and is often
confused with the similar-looking, co-occurring but smaller camoufl age grouper
( E. polyphekadion ) (Heemstra and Randall 1993 ; Chap. 12.5 ; Craig et al. 2011 ). Brownmarbled grouper was listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the (IUCN) Red List in 2004 .
Little is known about early life history in the wild, however some information is
available from aquaculture (e.g. Lim et al. 1990 ; Lim 1993 ) . Adults to use coral reef
habitats, and the limited information on juveniles suggests they frequent seagrass
beds (Sommer et al . 1996 ; Gell and Whittington 2002 ) and estuarine or low salinity
areas (Sadovy 2000 ) . Juveniles are collected from inshore reduced salinity waters
for grow-out in cages prior to sale in the international live reef food fi sh trade
(Sadovy et al. 2003 a ) .